• Arson-led deforestation by poaching groups hard to detect
• 15 incidents so far this year; 164 cases in 2025 
• DMC’s awareness programmes fail to bear fruit 

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said that setting forests on fire for hunting is becoming a grave issue, particularly as water resources are further threatened by deforestation.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (9), DMC Director Pradeep Kodippili said that groups are setting fire to forests, especially in areas including Matale, Badulla, Monaragala, and Nuwara Eliya, in order to hunt animals. He noted that it is hard to detect who is responsible, as these incidents occur deep inside vast forests. He added this is further threatening water resources at a time when the drinking water supply is already restricted to some extent.

"When they set fire to the upper side of the forest, the wind spreads the fire. The wild animals run down the forest, and the hunters catch them with nets. There is a vast population of porcupines, wild boars, deers, and stags. They are the target," he said.

“We have conducted awareness programmes, held meetings, displayed posters and banners, and taken immediate action to stop the fires with the help of firefighters. Yet, these events are still happening. Around 15 cases have been reported in the first four months of this year. In 2025, 164 cases were reported,” he said.

The DMC urged the general public to understand the gravity of the situation and to stop these crimes, citing the impact they have on the environment.